February 2011 - Mount Baker Bicycle Club

MBBC
More Bicycling = Better Community!
Mount Baker Bicycle Club Newsletter, Vol 20 No 1, February 2011
in this newsletter:
Welcome 2011...................... 1
February Rides................. 1
Weekly Rides....................2
Latest from the Board.......2
Lake Samish assistance....3
2011 Events.......................4
2011 Rides.........................5
Welcome New Members...6
Club Administration.........6
Membership form.............6
BAW 2011 Agenda............7
February Calendar........... 8
This month’s contributors:
Marc Ambers Photography,
Mark Herrenkohl,
Kristin Kinnamon, Doug
Schoonover. Thanks All!
A toast to 2011 and to our departed friend Bob Lindquist, who originated the New Year’s Day ride,
and in whose memory nearly 50 people rode this year. Whether the toast is with coffee, Pepsi, or beer,
the MBBC New Year’s Day riders wish everyone a prosperous and safe 2011. Thanks to Mark Wheatley
for again organizing and making sure no one was left behind on this ride!
This photo, as well as the others in this month’s newsletter, contributed by Marc Ambers Photography
February’s not too early to start. Let’s Ride!
the club online:
www.mtbakerbikeclub.org
www.chuckanutcentury.org
and our social sites:
facebook.com/pages/
Mount-Baker-BicycleClub/321683447138
sports.groups.
yahoo.com/group/
MtBakerBicycleClub
twitter.com/mtbakerbike
flickr.com/
mtbakerbikeclub/
The annual MBBC President’s Day
ride will start at Cornwall Park on
February 21 at 10am. We will meet
by the shelters near the Cornwall
entrance at 10am, with the ride leaving
at 10:15am. If it’s a nice day we will
ride to Lynden and back. If the weather
is not so nice, we will do a round trip
to Ferndale. There will, of course, be
a coffee-shop stop at the turnaround
point. Mileage will be 25 or 50 miles,
depending on the route. Pace will be
moderate to brisk, and snow or ice will
cancel.
Bainbridge Island’s Chilly Hilly is
February 27, and this ride lives up to
its name with February weather and
2,675 ft of climbing. The ride supports
10 local Bainbridge charities, includes
cider and baked goods along the way,
and ends with a chili feed.
cascade.org/EandR/chilly
MBBC cyclists will meet and carpool
down to the early-morning ferry ride
start. Watch the club’s Yahoo Listserv
for carpooling details closer to the
event date: sports.groups.yahoo.com/
group/MtBakerBicycleClub
Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
1
Weekly and Group Rides
— Winter wrap-up edition
The latest from your MBBC Board
The MBBC Board of Directors had its quarterly meeting on
January 17, 2011. Business of interest to our members is:
• Cathie Gerlicher has stepped down from her at-large
board position. Ken Giffin has agreed to fill this postion.
Tuesday AM Social Ride: starts from Pioneer Park in
Ferndale, 30-40 miles, 13-16 mph route varies. Usually 10am
start time in winter. To check time and other info: Bob Parker
[email protected] or 360-671-6910
Wednesday Group Workout Ride (Winter edition:
trail ride with lights): Race/Training Pace, 30 mile
distance, meet at 5:45 pm, leave at 6pm from Boundary
Bay Brewery at Railroad Avenue. Ride separates into fast
and very fast groups. From mid-Sept-Mar this is a night
trail ride with lights. Gather at brewery afterward (7:30p).
[email protected], 410-6431
Saturday Donut Ride: 24 – 45 miles, race pace, departs
from Kulshan Cycles, 7:30 am Oct thru Feb and 7 am March
thru Sept. Goes to Ferndale and return, or if you wish continue
to Birch Bay and return. Every week of the year!!
Saturday Recumbent Ride: Second Saturday of the
month at 10 am. 14 mile intown course begins at Kulshan
Cycles. Sporadic depending on weather. Info: Robert Parker at
[email protected] or 360-671-6910
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Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
• VP Chris Covert-Bowlds is moving out of the area and
will vacate his VP postion. Patti Mullin has agreed to fill
the VP position.
• MBBC will continue to support The Bike Shop project
for youth in Bellingham. If The Bike Shop can field a
high school team for the Ski-to-Sea race, the MBBC
will pay the team’s entry fee.
• The MBBC will sponsor a team for Ski-to-Sea if it can
field a “Green Team” of club members. A “Green Team”
must support itself without use of any motor vehicles.
• Greg Rehm has agreed to assist the club with our
social media visibility.
• We received a thank-you from Ferndale Dollars for
Scholars Foundation, which manned a food stop at the
Chuckanut Century and received a contribution.
• The club will put on more local club rides in 2011.
The first was the New Year’s Day ride, and we hope
to schedule an April Fool’s ride (perhaps to Lummi
Island), a July 4th ride (La Conner), and an autumn trail
ride. The 2010 Bill’s Hills Ride will go again on June 12.
• The MBBC hopes to engage more volunteers in 2011,
and will work to provide more recognition for all our
volunteers.
Development would affect popular cycling route
Lake Samish residents request assistance from cycling community
Cyclists from Whatcom and Skagit counties ride the Lake Samish loop often. The route around the lake is part of cycling events
such as Tour de Whatcom, Skagit Spring Classic, MS 150, the MBBC Wednesday Ride south loop, as well as individual fitness
and pleasure rides for many of us.
A proposed 23-acre housing development would likely have an adverse effect on this cycling route, as well as on the existing
neighborhood and the Lake Samish watershed. The Concerned Neighbors of Lake Samish organization has contacted the
MBBC and asked that the following information be communicated to the cycling community. They hope that cyclists will attend a
hearing on February 9, 1:30 pm at the Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue.
From: Mark Herrenkohl,
Concerned Neighbors of Lake Samish
[email protected]; 647-6980
lakesamish.org/issues/sleepy_hollow.html
Re: Sleepy Hollow Long Subdivision/Shoreline
Substantial/SEPA Appeal APPEAL01-09
The “Sleepy Hollow” Subdivision is a proposed
development of 46 houses on approximately 23
acres at the junction of West Lake Samish Drive
and Summerland Road. Whatcom County Planning
and Devlopment determined that “no significant
adverse environmental impacts are likely” from this
development. The Concerned Neighbors of Lake
Samish formed in 1992 to oppose this development
because we believe there will be significant adverse
environmental impacts to Lake Samish and its
surrounding rural areas.
The original hearing to appeal the County’s
designation was on January 20, 2004. Due to the
extent of potential impacts this development would
have on Lake Samish including water quality, storm
water runoff and pollution, fisheries habitat and Friday
Creek flow, traffic and pedestrian safety, the County
Hearing Examiner could not complete the hearing and
requested a continuance 3 weeks from that time.
We have been notified that the hearing will resume
on February 9, 1:30 pm at the Whatcom County
Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue. We would like to fill
the room at the hearing with cyclists and recreational
users of the lake. If we could rally a huge turnout from
the cycling community it would make a big difference.
It would also be very useful to write letters in
opposition. In particular, it would be useful for cyclists
to express any concerns about safety.
Letters must be received by February 8 in order to
be included in the hearing record. They should be
directed to:
Michael Bobbink, Hearing Examiner
c/o Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
Other ways to contact are:
Telephone: (360) 676-6770; Fax: (360) 676-7685
We believe that this densely clustered development
would be inappropriate and detrimental to the rural
character and nature of this watershed. The increased
traffic would be terrible, and the effect it would
have on recreational users who enjoy the lake and
surrounding area would be substantial.
-- M. Herrenkohl, Concerned Neighbors of Lake Samish
Now, after 7 years of delay, the County, working
with the developer, has completed a staff report
supposedly clarifying, updating and/or resolving
issues that arose during the January 2004 hearing.
The County and developer have informed the Hearing
Examiner that they are prepared to continue.
Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
3
2011 Events
BikeMonth
BikeMonth - May 1-31
100 Years of Bicycles: exhibit at Lynden Museum - May 1
Pedal with your Politician - May 14
Bike to Work and School Day - May 20
Adaptive Cycles Expo - May 21
watch for more Bike Month events to be announced in May.
Bike To Work & School Day planning meetings kickoff meeting February 2 then March 2, April 6, May 4;
6-8 pm Council of Gov’ts Office, 314 E Champion St.
Volunteer to help make this year’s Bike Day the best ever!
information: Mary Anderson or Ellen Barton 671-BIKE or
Classes & Training
USA Fit Bellingham is once again instructing triathlon training in
preparation for the Lake Padden Triathlon on June 25.
- Training series starts: March 30.
usafitbellinghamtri.com
Bellingham REI Cycling maintenance classes: check the
monthly calendar at www.rei.com/stores/events/65
everybodyBike Cycling safety and confidence classes: check
the events calendar at everybodybike.com/calendar.aspx
currently scheduled:
- February 22 First Gear: Confidence and Comfort, 6pm at Smart
Trips Headquarters, 314 E. Champion St.
[email protected]
Gatherings
Bike Travelogue Slide Showsw
There are 2 more scheduled Bicycle-Touring slide shows in winter 2011.
Check everybodyBike.com/calendar.aspx for definite
dates and locations of upcoming slide shows.
• February 10: Bicycle Netherlands
• March 10: Bicycle Erie Canal Trail
Ladies Night at Kulshan Cyclery: March 10, 7-9pm. Come
enjoy an evening with refreshments, prizes and shopping.
Check out the latest in women-specific products, make new
riding buddies, learn how to fix a flat and find out about events
and rides. 360-733-6440 Liz at Kulshan
Seattle Bike Swap: February 13
www.cascade.org/EandR/bikeswap
Seattle Bike Expo: March 12-13 The MBBC is again hosting
a booth at the Seattle International Bicycle Expo, partnering
with Todd Williams (Tour de Whatcom) and Charlie Heggem
(Festival 542). We’ll promote the Chuckanut Century plus other
riding in Whatcom County. Volunteers are needed to staff the
booth! www.cascade.org/EandR/expo/
Races
May 29: Ski to Sea www.skitosea.com
Sept 17: Bellingham Traverse bellinghamtraverse.com
Parks & Recreation Race Series
see www.trithecookie.com
June 25: Lake Padden Triathlon
July 23:Lake Padden Duathlon
August 27: Bellingham Youth Triathlon
October 9: Runningshoes.com Duathlon
October 9: YMCA Youth Duathlon
WWU Cycling Races
see www.wwucycling.com for schedules
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Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
Fairhaven Fitness presents TRX suspension training starting
in February. Core strength plus specific work on all the muscle
groups. Read more at bellinghamtennis.com.
Trail Building
Take some time this winter to get outside, volunteer, and improve
the city trails and mountain bike trails that we all enjoy. There are
trail-work parties being organized by the Whatcom Independent
Mountain Pedalers (WhIMPs) and by the Bellingham Parks
Department.
Trail maintenance dates from WhIMPs:
February 6, February 12, February 20
March 6, March 13, March 20
April 3 & 16; May 15; June 25
above meeting times at 9:45 am or 10am. Tools supplied. Wear
appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Check the website
as the dates approach for exact location and time to meet.
information: whimpsmtb.com/trailbuilding.html
Trail work dates from Bellingham Parks Dept:
February 5 - 10am Pine St. Trail
February 12 - 10am St. Clair Park
February 12 - 1:30pm Padden Lagoon
February 26 - 10am Connelly Creek Nature Area
March 5 - 9am Happy Valley Park
March 12 - 1:30pm Old Village Trail
information: Bellingham Parks & Recreation, 360-778-7105 and
see directions to trailhead meeting places here:
http://www.cob.org/documents/parks/volunteer/
work-schedule.pdf
Mt. Baker Club Activities
originally Mt Baker Hiking Club, they host bike rides during spring
& summer, check schedule: mountbakerclub.org/
Bike Rides: Mark your Calendar - 2011 Edition**
It’s a new year and time to start planning bicycling vacations and weekends. Use this calendar to help
plan that week off, destination trip including an organized ride, or your first century ride.
** as of print time, several rides have not yet published their 2011 details. These rides will be added to this newsletter
calendar in subsequent months when more is known. Also, some 2011 rides are already sold out, and they have not been
listed here.
-- thanks to Doug Schoonover for compiling, as he does every year, events&dates on this calendar!
2011 Rides - Western Washington
February rides - also see p.1 of newsletter
21 Presidents Day Ride (Bellingham) (see p. 1)
27 Chilly Hilly (Bainbridge Island)
cascade.org/EandR/chilly
March
19 McClinchy Mile (Arlington) bikesclub.org
April
10 Daffodil Classic (Puyallup) twbc.org
16 Tulip Pedal (LaConner) tulipfestival.org (see events)
30 Tour de Lopez (Lopez Island) lopezisland.com
May
1 Rhody Tour (Port Townsend) ptbikes.org
1 May Day Classic (Federal Way) maydaymetric.net
7 Ride Around Clark County (Vancouver WA) vbc-usa.com/racc
7 Skagit Spring Classic skagitspringclassic.org
14 Camano Climb (Camano Island) stanwoodvelosport.com
14 High Tide Ride (Anacortes)
30 Seven Hills of Kirkland www.7hillskirkland.org
June
4 Swan Century (Sedro Woolley) swancentury.org
4 High Tide Ride (Anacortes)
5 Seattle Tweed Ride gomeansgo.org
5 Peninsula Metric Century (Southworth) twbc.org
5 Fort2Fort (Port Townsend) fort2fortride.org
11 Flying Wheels (east side) cascade.org/EandR/flying/
12 Bill’s Hills of Bellingham (MBBC club ride)
18 Tour de Blast (Mount St. Helens) tourdeblast.com
25 Cannonball (Seattle to Spokane) redmondcyclingclub.org
July
9-10 MBBC North Cascades club ride
9-10 Seattle to Portland/STP cascade.org/EandR/stp
13-17 RedSpoke - Redmond to Spokane redspoke.org
16 S2S (Seattle to Spokane) redmondcyclingclub.org
23 Echelon Gran Fondo (Edmonds) echelongranfondo.org
28 RAMROD (Mt. Rainier) redmondcyclingclub.org
30 Tour de Whatcom (Bellingham) tourdewhatcom.com
30 Seattle Century seattlecentury.com
August
21 Retro Ride (LaConner) Ken Rasmussen [email protected]
27-28 RAPSody - Ride Around Puget Sound (Tacoma)
rapsodybikeride.com
September
10-11 MS 150 Bike Ride (Mt. Vernon)
11 Mt. Baker Hill Climb (Glacier) www.norkarecreation.com
16-19 Trek Tri-Island (San Juan, Lopez, Orcas Islands) alaw.org
18 Chuckanut Century (Bellingham) chuckanutcentury.org
24 Tour de Whidbey (Greenbank Farm)
25 Kitsap Color Classic cascade.org/EandR/kitsap
some 2011 Rides of interest - Elsewhere
This list is a sample of rides offered in Eastern Washington,
neighboring states/provinces, and states further away.
March
12 Solvang Century (Solvang, CA) bikescor.com/solvang
13 Gran Fondo (Ephrata, WA) beezleyburn.com
April
--May
15 Santa Fe Century (Santa Fe NM) santafecentury.com
21 Inland Empire 100 (Richland) inlandempirecentury.org
21 Reach the Beach (Portland, OR) reachthebeach.org
22 Munchenhaus Ride (Leavenworth) munchenhausbikeride.com
21-23 Golden Triangle Tour (BC) elbowvalleycc.org
June
4 Apple Century (Wenatchee) applebikeride.com
4 CHaFE 150 (Sand Point, ID) chafe150.org
5 Elephant Rock (Castle Rock CO) elephantrockride.com
11-17 Ride the Rockies (CO) ridetherockies.com
19-25 Bicycle Tour of Colorado bicycletourcolorado.com
25 Chelan Century Challenge (Chelan) centuryride.com
25 Mt. Adams Tour (Trout Lake)
July
17-23 TourBC (Creston BC loop) www.tourbc.net
23 Ride the Gorge (Hood River OR) jacksonsridethegorge.org
24-29 Washington Ride (SW WA) oregonbicycleride.org
August
7 Mt. Shasta Summit Century (CA) shastasummitcentury.com
19-21 Mtn Bike Oregon (Oak Ridge OR) mtbikeoregon.com
September/October
9/11 High Pass Challenge (Packwood) cascade.org/EandR/hpc
9/30-10/2 Fall Bike Festival (Winthrop) www.mvsta.com
Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
5
MBBC Administration
Mt. Baker Bicycle Club
Board of Directors and Officers:
Welcome new members!
Gregory Munson
Shirley Schaad
We’re so glad to have you in the MBBC!
Thanks also to the 20 members who renewed
their memberships in December/January!
Marie Kimball - President; Patti Mullin - Vice President;
Scott Dorough - Secretary; Tiffany Holmgren -Treasurer;
Marc Ambers - Ride Coordinator;
Doug Schoonover - Event Coordinator
Ken Giffin, Bill McCourt, Eric Stromerson -- at large
Contacts:
Marie [email protected] (656-5778)
Doug [email protected] (410-6431)
Jennifer [email protected]
Contribute to the newsletter:
submission guidelines:
Contributions of articles, editorials, photographs, and artwork
are welcome for inclusion in the newsletter. Anything related to
bicycling will be considered; please discuss ideas with the editor
in advance to reserve newsletter space or if you have questions.
Final materials are due the last Friday before the last full week of
every month, though earlier submissions are appreciated. Text can
be submitted in any common format, for example: plain text, RTF,
HTML, MS Word, etc. Please use JPG or TIFF format for photos,
and ensure they are at least 250 ppi. Any articles may be edited for
grammar, spelling, and space considerations.
Please notify the MBBC of upcoming cycling events for inclusion in
the events list/calendar. Provide details plus contact information.
Email the newsletter editor:
[email protected], or drop a note to
Editor, MBBC Newsletter; PO Box 2702; Bellingham WA 98227
MBBC Membership Form
p New Member
p Renewing Member
also available at: www.mtbakerbikeclub.org/files/membershipform.pdf
p This is a change of address
Last name:__________________________ First name: ___________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________
City:___________________________State: ____________ Postal Code: _________
E-mail: ______________________________________________________________
Contact telephone number: ____________________
Associate member: _____________________________________________________
(An associate member is any person living at the same address as the individual member)
I would like to receive my newsletter by (choose one): p printed & mailed, or p on-line
Would you like to help? Volunteers are our most valuable resource.
Please check any of the boxes that appeal to you and we will be in touch:
p Ride Leader
p Newsletter
p Board Member
p Bike to Work and School Day
p Chuckanut Century
p Special Events
p Website Maintenance
p Education
p I can provide discounts on _______________________________
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Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
Membership type:
Individual: $15
Family/Associate: $25
Additional Donation:
________
________
________
(donations support bike safety education)
Total enclosed:
$________
Please enclose a check payable to:
Mt. Baker Bicycle Club
Mail to: Mt. Baker Bicycle Club
Post Office Box 2702
Bellingham, Washington 98227
Bicycle Alliance 2011 Legislation Focuses on Safety, Education
The Bicycle Alliance of Washington works year-round to identify, research and prioritize key issues for cycling that need to be
addressed at the state level. The Bicycle Alliance of Washington works with a professional lobbyist in Olympia to forward that agenda
- he is our eyes and ears, but bicyclists are our voice. Help support our agenda by attending Transportation Advocacy Day on
February 10 in Olympia and by contacting your legislators in support of selected bills.
The Bicycle Alliance Legislative and Statewide Issues Committee, made up of representatives of bike clubs and communities from
across the state, has been working on our 2011 legislative agenda since last spring.
Priority legislation includes bills that would address:
• Traffic safety education: require that the driving schools attended by motorists who have received a traffic ticket teach curriculum for safe driving
around cyclists and pedestrians. Thanks to previous legislation and work by the Bicycle Alliance, the Department of Licensing already requires
the curriculum in all regular driver’s education courses. The materials are funded by proceeds from Share the Road license plate sales.
• Mutual courtesy and safe passing: clarify the laws that define safe and courteous behavior for cyclists and motorists, including legislation
governing how much space motorists should give cyclists when passing alongside them.
• Complete streets: create a grant program that gives incentives for communities that adopt a “complete streets” policy to ensure that their streets
are designed and built to safely accommodate all users (pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities, drivers).
• Lower speed limits: Give communities broader authority to lower speed limits to 20 miles an hour in neighborhoods with high pedestrian and
bicycle traffic. Lower speed limits sharply reduce injuries and death.
• Liability: Impose reasonable limits on the liability of communities that mark bicycle routes with signage or produce bike maps. Currently, some
communities don’t mark or map routes at all because they fear they will be found liable for injuries suffered by cyclists who use the routes.
Several of these bills are on year two – we introduced them last year but get a second chance this time around. We also will be on the
lookout to ensure that Safe Routes to Schools projects for districts around the state remain funded and that any transportation bills
provide adequate funding for bicycling and walking.
Keep abreast of how our agenda is faring and how you can help by visiting our website: www.bicyclealliance.org .
-- submitted by Kristin Kinnamon, who is a member of BIKES Club of Snohomish County and lives in Marsyville, Wa.
Mt Baker Bicycle Club - February 2011
7
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday Friday
Fe b r u a r y 1
2
Tues AM Social Ride
Wed Group Ride
Bike to Work Day
planning meeting
Groundhog Day
Saturday
3
4
5
Donut Ride
Bellingham Parks trail
work party
6
WhIMPs trail work
party
7
8
Tues AM Social Ride
9
Wed Group Ride
Lake Samish
development hearing
10
Transportation
Advocacy Day
Bike Slide Show
11
12 Donut Ride
Recumbent Ride
Bellingham Parks &
WhIMPs trail work parties
13
Seattle Bike Swap
14
15
Tues Social Ride
16 Wed Group Ride
17
18
March MBBC
Newsletter
Deadline
19
20
WhIMPs trail work
party
21
22 Tues Social Ride
everybodyBike First
Gear class
23
Wed Group Ride
24
25
26 Donut Ride
Bellingham Parks trail
work party
27
28
M a rc h 1
Tues AM Social Ride
2 Wed Group Ride
3
4
5 Donut Ride
Bellingham Parks trail
work party
Chilly Hilly
Valentine’s Day
Preisdents Day
Presidents Day Ride
Bike to Work Day
planning meeting
Mt. Baker Bicycle Club
Post Office Box 2702
Bellingham, Washington 98227
If you are a club member and wish to receive a printed
version of the newsletter rather than online, please inform
[email protected]. Club members are
entitled to a printed/mailed version sent to a US address..
Donut Ride